Transaortic cannulation for balloon pumping: report of a patient undergoing closed chest decannulation.

A technique is described for introduction of an intraaortic balloon (for circulatory augmentation) through the transverse aorta using a crimped Dacron arterial graft brought out through a lateral skin incision. When balloon pumping is discontinued, the balloon catheter is withdrawn through the percutaneous graft without reopening the chest. The graft is amputated and buried without ill effect.